Managing Medical Bills After a Car Accident: What You Need to Know

Safety and well being are of utmost importance after a car accident. After all, what do you have if you don’t have your health? That’s why it’s critical to receive medical attention in the moments directly following a car accident. That said, once the dust settles on your accident, you will start to see medical bills rolling in. Emergency room visits, ambulance rides, physical therapy — believe it or not; you’re still on the hook for those bills. Sticker shock after a car crash is common and can feel like adding insult to injury. There are ways, however, of working with medical providers to ensure you receive proper treatment and that your insurance steps in to cover what they are obligated to cover.

What if the Accident Wasn’t My Fault?

Mississippi, like a majority of states in the US, is a “fault state,” which means that whoever’s fault the accident is should be the one to pay for any damages. This payment can include injuries as a result of the crash.

If you are injured in an auto accident (and it was not your fault), the other party is legally responsible for paying for your medical bills. However, there may be some up-front costs, such as co-pays and deductibles, that are still up to you. These costs catch many people off-guard who assume that the other driver is immediately responsible for cutting a check.

Likewise, you may receive treatment for services but then be sent hefty bills weeks or months later. That is expected in these types of cases. Upon receiving those bills, you’re able to fill out any necessary insurance information (auto and health), and the medical providers can work directly with the insurance companies.

Does this sound complicated? It can be.

Work With an Attorney to Recoup Costs

When dealing with “who pays for what” after an accident, it’s essential to keep this in mind: once you settle, you settle. There is no going back to reevaluate a claim once completed.

That is why it’s advised to undergo full medical treatment, physical therapy, and follow-up doctor’s visits before determining how much your case is worth. Deciding an amount too quickly could result in you paying much more out of pocket than anticipated.

Patience is key

When seeking payment for damages, it’s normal for injured parties to want their cases resolved as quickly as possible. However, that isn’t always the best course of action.

We can’t tell you upfront how much your case is worth. However, we can work with all parties involved to ensure you receive the maximum amount you’re due once all medical treatments are complete.

Staying patient (and staying the course) is crucial in successfully settling a case to your advantage. Contact ‘MAGGIO LAW today to find out more about your situation and how we can help.